LED Dock Light Heatsink and Flexible Neck Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dock lights often rely on inefficient incandescent lamps, which have shorter lifespans compared to LEDs, and lack effective heat management systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of an LED dock light with a support surface hosting light-emitting diodes, optical pieces for focused light distribution, a heatsink with contoured heat fins for efficient heat dissipation, and a flexible neck member for adjustable mounting and heat transfer, along with a housing that enhances thermal connectivity and airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If incandescent lamps are used in dock lights, then the initial light output is sufficient, but the lifespan is short and energy efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from incandescent lamp technology to LED technology, fundamentally changing the light generation mechanism. LEDs convert electrical energy directly to light through electroluminescence, achieving 50-70 lumens per watt compared to incandescent bulbs' 15-20 lumens per watt, while extending operational lifespan to 50,000 hours or more
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal radiation mechanism of incandescent bulbs with the solid-state electroluminescence mechanism of LEDs. This substitution eliminates the need for filament heating and associated energy losses, achieving superior energy efficiency and durability
2Use of energy by moving object
If LEDs are used to improve energy efficiency and lifespan, then energy consumption is reduced and lifespan is extended, but heat management becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful heat byproduct of LED operation into a manageable thermal flow path. The heatsink design with heat pipes and fins captures waste heat from LED junctions and dissipates it to the surrounding air, preventing thermal damage while maintaining LED efficiency and longevity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces heatsinks with heat pipes as intermediary thermal management components between the LED heat-generating elements and the surrounding environment. These intermediaries efficiently transfer heat away from sensitive LED components through phase-change heat pipe technology and convection-based fin structures
3Illumination intensity
If optical pieces are added to direct light into a narrow distribution pattern, then illumination focus is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical control function into multiple discrete optical pieces, each positioned over individual LED elements. This segmentation allows independent optimization of light distribution for each LED, achieving precise narrow-beam control while maintaining modular simplicity in the overall device structure
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The LED dock light achieves improved efficiency, longer lifespan, and effective heat management, ensuring reliable and focused illumination while reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of light emitting diodes are coupled to the first side of the support surface and electrically connected to a power source
Implementation Method 2
a heatsink coupled to the second side of the support surface and having a main body portion and a plurality of exposed heat fins extending radially about the main body portion
Data Source
AI summary
A LED dock light has a support surface, a plurality of light emitting diodes, a heatsink, and a flexible neck member. The light emitting diodes are coupled to a first side of the support surface and the heatsink is coupled to a second side of the support surface. The heatsink has a plurality of heat fins.